Oxfam welcomes Labor’s clean water policy

Oxfam Australia has welcomed Labor’s commitment to demonstrate leadership in providing clean drinking water and sanitation in the Asia-Pacific region.
The announcement made by Shadow Minister for International Development, Bob McMullan, addresses a vital area of under-investment in Australia’s aid program, according to Andrew Hewett, Executive Director of Oxfam Australia.
“This is an excellent initiative which will see Australia giving its fair share towards clean water and sanitation for poor communities in our region by 2010,” Mr Hewett said.
“While this announcement will not increase Australian aid, it will make it more effective. It is tremendous to see a larger portion of our aid being dedicated to the provision of such essential services.
Oxfam Australia particularly welcomes Labor’s commitment to the United Kingdom’s Global Call to Action on Water and Sanitation.
“This is precisely what Oxfam Australia has called for – better coordination among donor countries and clear national strategies for each developing country,” Mr Hewett said.
“It is essential for donor countries to work together to provide the long-term, predictable aid that developing countries need to lift themselves out of poverty,” he continued.
“This initiative has the potential to save the lives and improve the health of millions of people in our region. It demonstrates the enormous opportunities Australia has to play a pivotal role in eradicating poverty in our region,” he added.
For interviews with Andrew Hewett please call Vedran Drakulic 0409 960 100 vedrand@oxfam.org.au, or Melany Markham on 0407 515 559 melanym@oxfam.org.au